Come and get in on the best kept secret, COS’s …1).pdfdidates for election at the Spring AOS...

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Meets every third Monday of the month Oct. 2012

The COALITION for ORCHID SPECIES

at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens

10901 Old Cutler Road

Coral Gables, Florida

www.cosspecies.com

Orchid huggers!

We had a great month of September!

We celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the founding of

COS.

We had an Open House and an International dinner where

members brought food from their countries of origin. For

this, we had a most heartening number of guests. The

food was so plentiful that I think 20 or 30 more people

would have had enough to eat.

Come and get in on the best kept secret, COS’s annual auction. Lots of great plants for you to bid on. A must for all orchid lovers. See you on October 15th. Preview starts at 6:45.

Coal i t ion for Orchid Species October

Our speaker for the night was Ivan Portilla from Ecuagenera

Ecuador, who made a great presentation and furnished us

with a great raffle table. Many members and guests went

home happily lugging / hugging gorgeous plants.

This month COS also participated setting up a tabletop dis-

play at the South Florida Orchid Society’s show. Carmen

Segrera was the designer of the display and Roli Armenteros

its clever executor. Several of our members let us use their

point orchids for the display. The tabletop was simply beau-

tiful. We received a lot of compliments from judges, and

guests at the event. On top of this, our display was awarded

“Best Tabletop in Show” .

And then, three of our orchids received other special indi-

vidual awards.

We COS members should be very proud of our society’s ac-

complishment.

On October 15th we will be holding our annual auction.

This is a very important

event for our society because the money that we make there

is what we use to pay for

our Holiday Party and end-of-the-year expenses. So please

come to the auction


Bits and Pieces

Dear members,

Please mark your calendar. We are go-

ing to have our COS Holiday Party at

Fairchild Garden on Wednesday, De-

cember 12 at 7:00 PM. All members

who have had perfect attendance attended 11 months –

Jan through Nov – during this year) will receive 2 beau-

tiful orchids of blooming size. Others must have at-

tended 5 or more meetings to receive one blooming-

size orchid. Be sure that you see Lori Sells now or at the

November meeting so we have no attendance questions

at the Holiday Party or during the busy days before. Re-

member that if you missed one meeting this year you

can make it up by volunteering on October 20th Satur-

day as the Coalition places orchids on trees at Pinecrest

Garden from 9:00am until 12 noon. For more infor-

mation call Mirta.

The November meeting will be our annual Picnic &

Bingo extravaganza on the beautiful grounds of R.F.

Orchids. The date: Sunday, November 17.


Bits and Pieces

COS will provide the drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers

– If we find a volunteer who will perform at the barbe-

cue. If finding a flipper flops, we will freely favor

friends with pork sandwiches.

We ask COS members to bring salad, chips, desserts, or

other nibbles to fill out our menu.

If you like to play Bingo bring an orchid for the Bingo

prize table Guests are welcome if they want to play

Bingo, but a donation of $5.00 is requested. Please

make reservations for the Holiday Party and for the pic-

nic by sending an e-mail to

Mirta

[email protected];

You can brig your family to the picnic and/or Holiday

party.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=holiday%20party


Bits and Pieces

Orchids at the Holiday Party and our Conservation Program

As you all know, this year of 2011 we are offering two orchids of bloom-

ing size at our Holiday Party as a COS gift to all members who have per-

fect attendance for the entire year. For the rest of us, one needs to have

attended 5 meetings during the year to be given one orchid at the Holiday

Party. However, if you have not attended 12 or 5 meetings to receive two

or a single gift orchid, we offer a couple of opportunities for you to make

up for missed meetings: Opportunity One we have already passed, which

was your attendance at our Symposium. Opportunity Two will be to help

out at Pinecrest Gardens on October 20th where COS will be placing or-

chids on trees from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM as part of our Conservation Pro-

gram.

For the latter, the location is:

Pinecrest Gardens in the Village of Pinecrest

11000 SW 57th Avenue

Pinecrest, Florida 33156

And the time is: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Sign up beforehand, or ask questions at: tel 305 469 9472

Come dressed and ready to place orchids on the trees at the Gardens, Wear

comfortable shoes, bring sun protection and gloves. For the fully able on-

ly, steps will be on hand for hanging in the high places. COS will provide

cold water and pastelitos for all. You may also bring your own favorite

drink and nibbles.


October 15 will be our

annual auction. At this

meeting we will not hold

our Newcomers Class, Si-

lent Auction, or Show

&Tell. We will have our

raffle just for mem-

bers who come wearing

their COS polo shirts.

In addition, we will have a

"Shoppers, Attention!"

raffle of one orchid every

30 minutes.

We will have both guests

and members to feed, so

we ask all of our mem-

bers to bring something

to eat. Something simple

like finger food will be

perfect.

This year the Board decided not to ask for donations from vendors due to the weak

economy, so all the orchids that we will be selling are ones that we have purchased

from our own funds to sell for our society's benefit. That is why we especially want

to have a successful auction this time.

We will see you at the auction.

Remember that now we accept cash, checks and Credit Cards!


A Halloween weekend tradition at the vintage gymnasium at

Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in historic Delray

Beach, the annual show and sale of the Delray Beach Orchid

Society is a feast for the senses with an abundant display of all

kinds of orchids. Don't miss the opportunity to add to your

collection and talk orchids with some of the best growers in the area. October 26,

27and 28, 2012, from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $5.00. For more information visit

our website delraybeachorchidsociety.com or call Debbie at 561-736-1017


What are the responsibilities of AOS Representatives? It is a requirement for affiliation with

AOS that both the society and the AOS Rep be current members of the AOS. The AOS

Reps are typically appointed by their society president or society board. The AOS Rep’s pri-

mary responsibility is to communicate activities of the AOS to their societies. Some Reps

keep up to date with the activities of AOS through the monthly magazine Orchids or by vis-

iting the website on a regular basis and then pass this information on to the board, newsletter

editor or the membership at a meeting. The Reps also can communicate any news or con-

cerns of their society to the AOS through the Affiliated Society Committee

at [email protected]. We suggest they say something about the AOS to the entire

membership at each meeting, and make sure there are AOS applications available to their

members. If your society’s Rep has changed this season, please communicate that change to

the AOS.

Call for nominations. The AOS Nominating Committee is accepting applications for con-

sideration as trustees in the American Orchid Society. If you know of someone who would

be interested in being considered as Trustee on the Board of Trustees (or if you are interest-

ed), forward their information and background (and perhaps any reasons they might be an

asset to the Board of Trustees) to the Chair of the Committee, George Hatfield

at [email protected]. Contact George as well if you have any questions re-

garding the requirements or qualifications for a Trustee. The Nominating Committee has

the responsibility of vetting and ranking nominations received and providing a slate of can-

didates for election at the Spring AOS Members’ Meeting in the spring of 2013.

Celebrate Orchids, Celebrate Life! Portland Orchid Society AOS Members Meeting and

Show will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Portland, Oregon, November 13-18, 2012. A

great line up of speakers and vendors are planned. For more information and registration,

visit www.portlandorchidsociety.com. The Affiliated Societies will be having their tradition

breakfast on Friday morning. This breakfast is the societies’ opportunity to discuss their ac-

tivities, ask questions or get advice of a number of officers and trustees of AOS as well as

enjoy the company of each other and talk of our hobby of orchids.

Lynn Fuller, Chair

AOS Affiliated Societies Committee

http://www.portlandorchidsociety.com/


September Collage


Ansellia Africana

I received a plant of Ansellia africana as a gift.

How should I care for it? Maria Deaven

A.

Ansellia africana is a variable species with a broad distribution in tropical Africa. Two-inch

flowers are borne on branched inflorescences in winter and spring, though large plants may

bloom throughout the year. Plants can get

quite large under good conditions. The blooms are usually basically yellow and are barred in

differing degrees, with some nearly entirely

dark brownish black. Most have a musky fra-grance. Culture is as for cattleyas, with high

light and intermediate temperatures (60º F

night and 80º F day). Allow it to dry between

waterings. Many hobbyists grow this plant in baskets, though it will do well in trees in frost-

free areas. Ned Nash


Cattleya

Despite the shortening days and lowering angle of the sun, September can still be one of the hottest months. Water and fertilizer need to be in balance with heat and light. The alert grower will notice, howev-

er, that his or her plants are beginning to slow down a bit. Growths are maturing, and the sheaths are giv-ing the promise of the next six-months' bloom.

Check plants for potting needs for the last time this season. Any in dire need should be potted, even some

that may be on the cusp, as there is just enough of the growing season left to allow the plants to establish before the days start to get really short and cold.

This is the month for purples derived from Cattleya labiata breeding to flower. If you are short on flowers, look into this group. There is nothing that can quite match this type for beauty and fragrance. They are

easy to grow, too.

Plants summered outdoors should begin to be prepared to be brought back into the winter growing area. Clean the plants up and be on the lookout for any pests they may have picked up during the summer.

Treat as necessary.

Cycnoches

This little-known and under-appreciated genus, which can have male or female flowers, is at its best in the

autumn. Two of the spectacular varieties are Cycnoches loddigesii, with its large brown flowers resembling a prehistoric bird, and Cycnoches chlorochilon, the swan orchid. This last one has large, fragrant green

flowers. The biggest problem, culturally, will be red spider mite infestations that require immediate atten-

tion. Plants are quite seasonal, requiring heavy watering in the growing season and then a drier dormant winter season.

Cymbidium

Summer can be the most rewarding season for cymbidiums. Growths should be coming strong now. The leaves of the new growths are best when they are broad and fairly stiff. The color should be a light green

to nearly yellow. Early flowering varieties should be showing flower spikes, so move the plants into a cool-er area with lower light. For mid-season varieties, lower the dosage of nitrogen to assist in spike initiation.

Dendrobium

This is a good season for hybrids of the Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium canaliculatum types. Both are capable of putting on tremendous shows of long-lasting flowers. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen for-

mula to promote the best flowers. Dendrobium phalaenopsis can get tall and top heavy, suggesting an at-

tractive and heavy container would be appropriate for this type.


Rhynchostele bictoniensis

Both Rhynchostele bictoniensis and its hybrids bloom in this season. Rhynchostele bictoniensis, formerly known as Lemboglossum, Odontoglossum) is a showy species from Mexico that has three different color forms: sulphureum

(green with white lip), album (brown with white lip) and roseum (brown with a pink lip). It is a vigorous grower with

tall inflorescences of many flowers, and imparts to its progeny (as seen in Odcdm. Bittersweet and Odm. bicross) ease of culture, warmth tolerance and eye-catching patterns. They make a prime candidate for odontoglossum be-

ginners and advanced alike.

Paphiopedilum

Standard, green-leaved paphiopedilums begin to show their bloom sheaths this month. Late-season heat waves can blast these early sheaths, so be observant about proper cooling and air circulation. As with the rest of your plants

that may have been summered outdoors, it is time to prepare for their move inside. Clean each plant and implement

pest-control practices. Repotting, if necessary, is appropriate.

Phalaenopsis

The bulk of this season's growth is being ripened this month, with growers in cooler climates seeing the first emerg-

ing inflorescences. Some night heating may be necessary in the cooler areas. Begin to watch watering more careful-

ly, and reduce feeding proportionately with reduced watering needs. An extra dose of phosphorus and potassium, such as a bloom-booster or high-acid-type fertilizer, is beneficial.

Rossioglossum grande

Once known as Odontoglossum grande, this is a spectacular orchid with six to eight flowers up to 8 inches across.

Often known as the tiger orchid, it has bright golden yellow flowers heavily marked with chestnut brown barring. The

plants are beautiful with a grey-green cast to the foliage, which is borne on succulent pseudobulbs. It prefers hot

and wet summers with cooler, even down to 40 F, dry winters. Grow under filtered light. Watch for snails and slugs

that eat the flowers, pseudobulbs and leaves.

Coal i t ion for Orchid October


October Diana Gonzalez

Shirley Lowe

Armando Mantellini

Carlos Segrera


Our

Silent auction

will return next

month.


Beginner’s Culture Class, 6:45

pm

No class tonight come

see our plants up for auc-

tion.

Tasks for October 1 .Space plants to increase air circulation

2. Water as early as possible in the day

3. Move Himalayan dendrobiums, catasetums,

calanthes and other seasonally dormant plants

to dry bright locations.

4 .Reduce general fertilizer

5 .Apply extra magnesium and potassium

Thanks to Dr. Motes

Coal i t i on for Orch id Species October

The Florida-Caribbean Regional

Judging Center of the American Or-

chid Society invites you to bring your orchids

in flower to be judged by our teams of experienced

American Orchid Society Judges, or just come to

learn more about orchids and the process of judg-

ing orchids. We meet the THIRD Saturday of

each month at beautiful Fairchild Tropical Botanic

Garden, Corbin Bldg., 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral

Gables, FL Judging begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.

GOT SPECIES? Get your 2011 COS Newsletters on

the web at

www.cosspecies.com

Special Thanks to Webmaster-designer Mike Haynes of ISatis-

fy.com, and Home Page photos by Greg Allikas,

www.orchidworks.com!

Get your raffle

tickets for a

chance to win

fabulous or-

chids from

outstanding

orchid venders.

http://www.orchidworks.com


“When two friends understand each other totally, the words are soft and strong like an orchid's perfume”

Need to reach over 180 people every month to move your products?

See Lori Sell for information about placing an advertisement in the

newsletter.

Book Review:

The Scent of Scandal: Greed, Betrayal and

the World’s Most Beautiful Orchid By Craig Pittman. 2012. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. Hardcover. 305 pages. Black-and-white photographs, color cover.

Published in 2012 by the University Press of Florida as one of several books in a series that celebrates Florida’s his-tory and culture, this book targets the general reading audience rather than the serious orchid hobbyist who yearns

to grow and bloom a dozen of the “"world's most beautiful" and scentless slipper orchids in his or her own collec-

tion. The book is clearly not intended to be a treatise about the orchid itself, nor the good things that have hap-pened since its debut. It is, however, an eye opener of a good read into the intrigue behind an important discovery

in the orchid world, a cast of infamous characters, and a seemingly innocuous and benign institution. Pittman, as

an experienced newspaper reporter and writer, has grasped the essence of a good story and attained his stated purpose to recount events that took place in Florida during the far-reaching, scandalous affair concerning the slow-

est moving of all pets, an orchid. His acutely honed ability to ignite a sense of excitement and incredulity is evident

in the fast-paced, lively text, and he unfailingly ends each chapter with an enigmatic quote, problem or question, creating an intense need to know more. However, with the title as enticing as it is, I expected he would have

opened the book with a little more pizzazz.

Pittman sets the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida, as a metaphorical stage, and, as any good play-wright, begins the drama with the requisite list of characters we meet as the legend unfolds. He provides ample

and carefully researched background into Selby Botanical Garden’s financial problems, personality conflicts and the

much disputed mission statement.

With this foundation, we can easily understand the proposed explanations behind the hastily drawn, described,

submitted and named new Peruvian slipper orchid. The race-to-publish mentality, well known in the scientific world, is evidently alive and well among our revered botanists and orchidists. After all, as has repeated itself

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/when_two_friends_understand_each_other_totally/197527.html


throughout history, nothing is really discovered until a westerner has laid eyes upon and recorded it.

Although not a glaring omission in light of Pittman’s objective to align this story with Florida, he disappointingly

devotes only a few sentences to the first people we know who “found” and were selling illegally this outrageously colorful, blooming slipper of all slippers in May 2002. Were Faustino Medina Bautista and his sister the first Peruvi-

ans to recognize this orchid as unusual? Was it known or used by others in their mountain culture? Has this strik-

ing discovery changed their lives for the better in any way?

I enjoyed the book for the same reasons I disliked reading about the unfolding events themselves. There is a gos-

sipy, insiders’ view of colleagues, friends and acquaintances at their worst: thoughtless, insatiable, pompous, fi-nancially ruined, self-indulgent, tragic, dishonest, inconstant and all inexcusable. As a novice orchid hobbyist fa-

miliar with the literature, I recognized many of the named participants and was left with the sense that there were

few honest persons involved in this orchid’s initiation into the western world. There are a couple of people who must be fantastically relieved to have resisted the temptations at their feet.

If you were privy to the inner circle of the slipper orchid arena during 2002–2005, you might want to read this

book carefully to determine whether quotes you uttered are written along the lines of your spoken word or only an approximation of your intended communication. The conversations are all there.

Pittman worked diligently to expose the inconsistencies in the many testimonies and interviews he conducted, as evidenced by the 44 pages of source notes. These and the nine-page index and two-page bibliography substanti-

ate that Pittman was committed to flush out a modicum of truth in the complicated and seemingly chimeric set of

events.

Coming full circle, I will end this review with a look back to the beginning, with the quote Pittman selected for his prologue. These words, uttered so aptly by Rex Stout in Black Orchid, echo my sentiments exactly: “If, when you

finish it, you think the mystery has been solved, all I have too say is you don’t know a mystery when you see one.”

— Janet Vinyard won the 2010 Dillon/Peterson Essay Prize. (email [email protected]).

Please patronize our loyal advertisers!

Where Quality is as Traditional as the Orchid Itself

28100 SW 182 Ave. , Homestead, FL 33030

305-245-4570 * [email protected] *www.rforchids.com


Susana and Victor Ortiz

For Sale

Benches from $65.00 and up (4 to 5 step)

For info: call Eddy or Gloria Rodriguez

(786) 683-4616 or (786) 7972054

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.rforchids.com

October Coal i t ion for Orchid Species

Remember it is important for you to make

sure you check in in order to get credit for at-

tending the meeting. The number of meet-

ings you attend determine when you get to

pick your holiday orchid.

All members who have perfect attendance that

do not miss one meeting during the whole year

will receive at the Holiday party two orchids as a

gift from the Society. To qualify to receive one

orchid at the Holiday party members have to at-

tended 5 meetings, Members will have the op-

portunity to make-up two meetings by attend-

ing the Symposium and the Conservation pro-

ject on October 20th,2012.


Coalition for Orchid Species The 2011 - 2012 Board:

President, Mirta Russis Heineman

Vice Pres., Carmen Segrera

Treasurer: Melana Davison

Secretary: Lori Sell

Trustees: Carlos Segrera, Erna Maxwell, Katria Whitfield, Cynthia White, Vivian Waddell, Bill Capps, Ketty Bergouignan

Committees:

Vivian Waddel: Membership

Julie Armstrong: Conservation

Newsletter Editor : Bill Capps Advertising/Reporter : Lori Sell

Raffle: Carmen Segrera, Pat Chen Yin Photography: William Capps

AOS Rep: Lynn Corson Roster: Melana Davison

Webpage Liaison: Rolando Armenterso Mirta Heineman: Events Coordinator

Library: Jorge Casaudoumecq Cynthia White: Silent Auction

Refreshments: Gloria and Eddy Rodriguez, Odalis Navarro and Vaisi Vazquez

Remember we are dedicated to the

culture and conservation of species.

Please bring only species plants for

our silent auction.

William Capps

Newsletter Editor


Come and get in on the best kept secret, COS’s …1).pdfdidates for election at the Spring AOS...

Documents

Transcript of Come and get in on the best kept secret, COS’s …1).pdfdidates for election at the Spring AOS...